The Many Stages Of Will Smith As An Actor

Introducing himself to the world as the Fresh Prince in a 1990 “ABC Afterschool Special,” the tall and slinky Philly-bred teenager (better known as Will Smith) probably didn’t strike you as a serious actor. But Will would go on to play roles like a man named Ben, with a regretful past and seven body parts to give away.

After over 20 years in the entertainment industry, Will was bound to change it up from the silly, rambunctious nephew on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” See the many stages of Will Smith.

The Kid MC

This was Will Smith first time on the scene taking over an episode of The Afterschool Special to let everybody know there’s a new prince set to reign.

The Problem Child

Known for giving his on-stage Aunt and Uncle trouble, Will Smith had a lot of learning to do in his six seasons as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

The Hero

Men in Black put Will in a clean suit and dark glasses saving the world from potty mouth aliens; it was also his first stab at family films.

The Bad Cop

Playing alongside funny man Martin Lawrence, these two gave us one of the funniest comedy-action films. So good they had to make a sequel

The Legend

Before I am Legend, Will played the boxing legend Muhammad Ali, in Ali, which put more eyes on the ‘Kid from Philly’ and give him more serious roles.

The Father Figure

Playing real-life Chris Garner, Will Smith taps into his own fatherhood to not only coach his son, played by real-life son, but himself through poverty in The Pursuit of Happyness.